Pre-Baselworld 2016: Ulysse Nardin Hourstriker ‘Horse’

Ulysse Nardin has already got its monkeys in a row for Chinese New Year, so now, for Baselworld 2016, the Swiss brand has started to turn its attention to horses by crafting a collection of 28 pieces in 18ct rose gold or platinum.

Each edition features hand-carved Jaquemarts on a genuine black onyx dial. One of the rare high horology brands to use Jaquemarts, Ulysse Nardin is also one of the earliest watchmakers to fuel the rebirth of the striking mechanism.

In this sound-motion coupling, Jaquemarts move in synchronicity with each strike of a gong. A sonnerie en passant with a rare automatic movement, the Hourstriker Horse plays on hour and half hours on demand or can be set to “gong” the time in passing.

Every time the hammer hits the gong, the horse Jaquemarts perform in concert. Postured between ten and 12 o’clock, and one and three o’clock, the horse Jaquemarts portray two stances. In one, the horse is showing fear, “rearing up” to fight or flee. In the other, it is racing with purpose – either toward or away from something, and the interpretation is left to the wearer.

Both horse figurines feature deeply chiseled muscles, pronounced facial features, and long and voluminous mane and tail. The 42mm round case is artistic as it is functional. The self-winding movement has a power reserve of approximately 42 hours and is water resistant to splash proof 30 meters.

The sapphire crystal, is both scratch proof and anti-reflective. The case-back, also constructed of sapphire crystal, protects the inner workings but also allows for visbility. The timepiece is another example of music and motion telling time in rhythm within the iconic Hourstriker family.